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[Saba Sports News] In the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023, the team led by Babar Azam, Pakistan, has experienced a series of ups and downs. With seven games played in the tournament, they have secured three victories but also faced four defeats. As a result of their performance, the Men in Green currently hold the sixth position in the standings, having accumulated six points in seven matches.
When Pakistan arrived in India for this prestigious tournament, it was expected that they would face numerous travel restrictions and stringent security measures due to the ongoing political tensions between the two countries. However, according to the team’s director, Mickey Arthur, the extensive security measures have significantly impacted Pakistan.
Arthur emphasized the challenges posed by the tight security, likening it to the restrictions experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. He acknowledged that while the Pakistan team is accustomed to frequent travel due to their extensive cricket commitments, the level of security they’ve encountered has been surprisingly stringent.
“As a Pakistan team, we are accustomed to extensive travel for our cricket engagements, so being on the road is not new for these players. However, what has proven to be challenging is the high level of security we have been subjected to,” Arthur shared.
“It has been a bit of a shock for me, to be honest. I’ve found it quite challenging. It almost feels like a return to the COVID-19 era, where we were confined to our hotel floors and team rooms. The situation has reached a point where our breakfast is served in a separate area away from everyone else. It has been a tough adjustment,” he added.
Arthur also addressed how the strict security measures and travel restrictions have affected the players. He noted that despite the team’s efforts to organize enjoyable team events, the monotony of daily routines has taken a toll on them.
“It certainly does impact the players, and I have observed instances where it feels like a repetitive cycle. You wake up, and it’s as if every day is the same. Breakfast, followed by time in your room if it’s a non-training day,” Arthur explained.
“We’ve attempted to create some enjoyable team activities within our team room, but there are limitations to how much we can replicate. We have managed to take the players out on three occasions, with the assistance of security, to visit different restaurants or venues just to provide them with a taste of the outside world,” he concluded.